Jersey builders ready to start two-year £61m. Institute build

Education, Sport & Culture yesterday announced the appointment of the Jersey-based construction firm, which had been given preferred bidder status last summer, having also led the demolition of the former St Peter Port Secondary School on the site.

The committee said that work would begin ‘imminently’ on a ‘vital’ £61.6m. project to construct the main building and facilities for construction and engineering courses, both of which will be linked to the existing Performing Arts Centre.

The States agreed early last year to use a combination of existing reserves and additional borrowing to fund a new Guernsey Institute with a total budget of £75m.

But a new Sixth Form Centre and indoor and outdoor sports facilities were axed from phase one of the redevelopment to reduce costs by £25m.

‘Finally we’re getting under way with delivering fit-for-purpose, modern facilities,’ said ESC president Andrea Dudley-Owen.

‘For too long some of our young students, particularly those in vocational and technical education, have been taught in facilities that are well past their best.

‘It has been 30 years since the need for a modern, new further education campus was identified to provide an adult learning environment where our teachers and students can excel in every aspect of their work.’

The Guernsey Institute’s new headquarters at Les Ozouets will include workshops, labs, specialist studios and other facilities to serve thousands of full- and part-time students and adult learners.

The construction project is expected to be complete by spring 2027.

Rok’s proposal was reviewed by officials and advisers and accepted as within budget.

The company will now appoint local subcontractors from a range of trades.

‘We are delighted to be appointed to deliver this project and excited to use our expertise in delivering such a key part of the island’s commitment to education,’ said Rok director Kevan Nelson.

‘We intend to work with the local supply chain and involve the community to ensure that as many people as possible can be part of creating this legacy.’

Education said that sustainability would be a key consideration in the construction project, including the use of low energy heating and ventilation systems, and that outside spaces would encourage biodiversity and ecology, as well as promoting wellbeing.

Director of Education Nick Hynes said the project would benefit students and staff and improve their experiences and outcomes.

‘The States’ investment in Les Ozouets has been underpinned by a rigorous approach to ensure value for money and will return a dividend by maximising opportunities for post-16 education locally with an uplift in our skilled workforce,’ said Deputy Dudley-Owen.

‘Our young people are the workers of tomorrow and we need to ensure they develop the best level of knowledge, skills and characteristics which not only make them valuable contributors to the community but also the economy.’

The Performing Arts Centre will remain open throughout construction of the new facilities.

The car park will also remain available.